The Telegraph says Cityâ€™s football administrator, Brian Marwood, is believed to have been in Spain at the weekend to watch Victor Ruiz play for Espanyol against Barcelona, but who is now regarded as a strong alternative to David Luiz, the Benfica stopper.

The 21-year-old left-sided defender would cost around â‚¬15 million (Â£13 million) although City hope to secure him for less.

Ruiz is in no rush to leave the Catalan club but it is thought they are keen to cash in on one of the rising stars of Spanish football.